בֵּית־צוּר (bet tsur)
bet tsur
Beth-zur
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
Beth-zur, meaning "house of the rock," was a fortified town located in the hill country of Judah. Its name reflects its physical setting on a rocky outcrop, providing natural defense for the settlement. The site served as a strategic point along the routes connecting Jerusalem with the southern regions.
The town appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within lists of returning exiles and territorial boundaries. In Nehemiah 3:16, it is noted that a leader rebuilt its walls, highlighting its role in the post-exilic restoration of Jerusalem’s defenses. Joshua 15:58 includes it among the cities of the tribe of Judah, while 2 Chronicles 11:7 mentions it as one of the fortified towns King Rehoboam strengthened to secure his kingdom against external threats.
Its repeated mention in these contexts underscores its importance as a military and administrative center. The sources do not provide detailed etymological analysis beyond the literal translation, but the consistent association with fortification suggests that the "rock" was central to its identity and function.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Beth-zur means "house of the rock," a fitting title for a town built on solid stone in the hill country of Judah. This imagery offers a quiet comfort: just as that settlement relied on its sturdy foundation for safety, our faith rests on something unshakable. The word appears in lists of tribes and returning exiles, reminding us that God keeps careful track of His people and their places.
In Nehemiah 3:16, we see a leader named Azbuk rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem while overseeing repairs from his own district of Beth-zur. This detail shows how ordinary citizens contributed to a larger purpose. Their work was not just about stone and mortar; it was an act of hope and restoration after years of exile.
When life feels unstable, we can look to this ancient name for encouragement. It points to the idea that God provides a firm place for us to stand. Whether in times of rebuilding or times of rest, His presence remains as reliable as the rock itself. We find peace knowing that our spiritual home is secure in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zur4×
- Beth4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בֵּֽית\־3×
- צֽוּר\׃1×
- צ֥וּר1×
- צ֖וּר1×
- צ֑וּר1×
- בֵֽית\־1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 3:16
After him, Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of half the district of Beth Zur, made repairs to the place opposite the tombs of David, and to the pool that was made, and to the house of the mighty men.
This verse highlights Beth-zur's role in the post-exilic restoration, showing how its leaders actively participated in rebuilding Jerusalem's defenses.
-
Joshua 15:58
Halhul, Beth Zur, Gedor,
The mention here places Beth-zur within the specific territorial inheritance of Judah, grounding the tribe's identity in a physical location.
-
II Chronicles 11:7
Beth Zur, Soco, Adullam,
King Rehoboam fortified this town, indicating its strategic military value in protecting the southern borders of the kingdom.